Chapter Nine
The weekend came, as did his conversation with Killian. As it turned out, Killian managed to rent his room out almost immediately. A friend who had just broken up with her boyfriend was in need of a place. Robin wasn't so sure of the arrangement, as this friend was a former fling of Killian's, but as it wasn't his place, Robin let it be.
Killian asked him how soon he could be out. Robin thought about all he had and figured it would only take a few hours to pack it all up. Killian smiled then and called his new roommate.
Which was how Robin found himself moving out that very day.
A quick trip back into the city to pick up Regina, who insisted on helping, a stop by Home Depot to get some moving boxes and the moving began. By midday most of his things were packed, boxes stacked neatly in the living room, which was honestly quite sad considering just how small the living room in his and Killian's apartment was. He was just packing up the last of his kitchen things and looked up just as Regina and Killian came into the room.
"Oi, mate, ya can't take that."
Robin's brow creased, and he placed the blender he was about to put in the box onto the counter. Regina stepped beside him, and he wrapped an arm around her back. "Why not?"
Killian crossed his arms. "We bought that together. I have just as much right to it as you do."
"You want the blender? You got the Xbox," Robin pointed out begrudgingly.
He shrugged. "It makes good drinks."
Robin rolled his eyes but let it be. He didn't care that much about the bloody kitchen appliance. "You want it that much, it's yours."
"I still think you and your lass should come down ta the pub tonight." Robin gave him a look. Kilian had been trying to persuade Regina to get him to go out all day. Any other day and Robin might have been all for it, but he still had to take all his things back to Regina's and there was no way he was going to let her pack boxes from his car and up to the apartment. "Good food and drink," Killian went on, oblivious to Robin's internal dialogue, "even the non-alcoholic kind. Come on Regina, help me convince him."
Robin sighed heavily, causing Regina to look up at him. "You don't want to go?"
"I don't see how with all this left." His hand swept under the back of her shirt and rubbed over the soft skin of the small of her back. "Besides, it gets loud and the crowd can get a bit tiresome."
Killian straightened, indignant. "Hey, I resent that. 'Sides, your girl was just saying she was hungry and it has only the best Irish food in Brooklyn."
Regina smiled, and one of her shoulders lifted and fell. "I'm up for it if you are."
He chuckled. He was outnumbered, and he knew it. "Suppose we need to eat."
She lifted onto her toes and murmured, "Definitely," right before she kissed him.
He looked over at Killian. "Tell you what, you help me get all this back to Regina's and I'll go."
Killian considered it and then with a nod, said, "Deal."
#
Robin watched from the bar as Killian's gang of friends gathered around the table in the front of the pub where Regina sat waiting for him. The bar and restaurant were only lightly filled, but it was only just after six and would soon start picking up as the evening went on.
"Here you go, Robin," the dark-skinned bartender, Lance, set his drinks on the bar. Two Cokes, one regular and one with grenadine and lime. "Go easy on those," the man teased.
Robin laughed and tossed some money on the counter. "I'll keep it in mind." Making his way between the tables, Robin noticed just how close Killian's bandmate, Percival, had inched his chair near Regina. The man was known for getting smashed and picking fights and even more for being roguish with the ladies. Robin wanted him nowhere near Regina. "Hey, back away from my girl."
His tone was teasing but the look he gave the man made his intentions clear. Back off.
Percival got to his feet, abandoning his chair with a, "Just keeping her company is all."
Regina met his gaze as he took the vacated chair next to her, looking relieved. He gave her a small smile of apology and then handed her her doctored up drink.
Just then, another member of Killian's band, Cassie, came up to him and slapped him on the shoulder. "Why didn't you tell us you were seeing someone or that you were going to be a dad?"
"I've been busy," Robin said while sharing a smile with Regina. "And we wanted to keep it to ourselves for a while."
"Well, congratulations! You'll make a fine dad, Robin," she told them, and then her name was called from somewhere in the depths of the bar. She left, thankfully taking Percival and the few others with her.
"Your friends are sweet," Regina told him.
"And obnoxious." He shook his head. "No, they're alright, just young."
Regina chuckled. Her eyes were shining with amusement. "We're young."
Reaching up, he scratched the back of his neck. "I suppose that's true."
She leaned toward him and kissed his cheek. "I know what you meant."
They were all the same ages, their priorities were just different. Most of his friends, apart from a few, still preferred the nightlife and drinking to day jobs and weekends with family. All the things he'd tired of around his third year of college. He much more preferred evenings at home, and now with Regina, even more so.
Beside him, Regina sat up and pressed a palm to her side. He watched her movements and then her lips as she let out a long, slow breath. "What's wrong?"
Her gaze met his, and she shook her head. "Nothing, she's just kicking. I think it's the music."
Putting an arm around the back of her chair, he leaned over and placed his other hand on her belly. They sat like that for a moment, him feeling the movement of their baby girl under his palm. The music level wasn't anything it would be in a few hours, but it still filled the room. Robin marveled at how she wasn't even born and yet music had such an effect on her. "She sure is," he mused, then on quite a strong little force, he frowned. "Is it painful? Should we go?"
Another shake of her head and her warm brown eyes found his. "No, it's good." Her hand fell over his keeping it there. "This is good."
He chuckled and pressed a kiss to her hair. "I quite agree."
She turned her head, tilting her chin up and as always, it was if they were magnets drawn to one another. Mouths met and softened under the other. Her lips were soft, just as the sigh that escaped her as they pulled apart, though they didn't go far. The tip of his nose grazed along hers, making her smile.
"Hey, none of that in here."
Robin turned his head to see his friend standing there staring at them both with a wide grin on his bearded face. "Arthur, when did you get back?"
Robin got up and they shared a quick embrace. "A month ago. Killian tells me you went and got a girl, and I see that you have. Hello."
Regina stood and shook his hand as he introduced, "Regina this is my friend, Arthur. His dad owns the pub."
"Hello."
They all sat and chatted for a bit. They talked about how Arthur and he met in college, how Arthur had talked his father into Robin and Killian playing a few sets during the week, and then how abandoned Arthur felt when Robin went off on his internship leaving him only with Killian.
"Well, I best get back. I'm running things tonight, but I'll catch up with you in a few. And whatever you're having it's on me…" He paused and grinned, then said, "or on dad, I should say."
With her elbow on the table, she placed her chin in her palm and looked at him. "I thought this was an Irish pub?"
"It is."
"He sounds English."
Robin chuckled. "Oh, he is. His mum's Irish."
She 'Ahh'ed' but made no further comment as he reached for a menu and handed it to her. He didn't need to see it. Robin had been there enough times he knew what he wanted.
Sitting back, her lips pursed. He watched as she hummed over it for a few minutes, then asked, "Anything striking your fancy?"
"Mm, what are you having?"
"Bangers and Mash." He laughed at the look of disgust she made. "What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking a salad…" she said slowly.
His brow furrowed. "Really? That's all?"
"And Irish nachos."
He chuckled. "That's my girl."
They end up sharing their meals. She stole bites of his mashed potatoes and he finished off her nachos. They sat close, listening to the band and talking about her parents, a little about Emma and Neal and how they were both hopeful for their reconciliation, but mostly they talked about the baby. Their views on discipline and spoiling, schools, and religion. They agreed on most. The only thing they may have been an issue for them was religion. She was raised Presbyterian and he, Catholic, but since neither of them really attended they decided to let their child chose what she believed when she grew old enough for such things.
When they were both stuffed, they listened to the music some more and slid even closer together. He ordered a drink at her insistence, reminding him she knows how to drive and just because she was pregnant and can't drink, didn't mean he had to suffer.
Robin laughed, but went ahead and ordered one. Just a glass of ale, nothing too strong while Arthur joined them for a drink.
When they got home later and looked around at the boxes that needed unpacked, they decided to leave them for the morning. They'd have all day Saturday to sort out his things. The day had been tiring, and the only thing he wanted was a bed and Regina in his arms.
#
Robin was never a fan of waking early, especially on the weekends. It was for this very reason when his phone rang just after six am on a Sunday morning, no less, the first words out of his mouth when Regina handed him his phone was, "What bloody tosser would call someone so early?"
"Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?"
Robin blinked. "Dad?"
"Yes, it's me. Get your lazy arse out of bed. Your mother wants breakfast."
Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he propped himself up on his elbow. He was sure he heard something about his mother wanting breakfast but couldn't be sure. "What? Where are you?"
"Where am I?" his father's voice drawled. "I'm in Italy about to go into Sistine Chapel, so naturally I want to ring you so we can all meet for breakfast."
Robin closed his eyes. "The sarcasm is entirely unnecessary this early..."
"Then don't ask stupid questions. We're leaving the airport now. Tell us where in this mad city you want to meet for breakfast."
Fuck. They really were there. "Christ, right, um…"
Regina rolled on her side towards him. Her dark eyes were tired and her voice heavy with sleep. "Robin, what's wrong?"
He placed a hand on her arm. "Nothing, my parents are here."
"What's that?" his father asked. "Have you got a girl with you? Eleanor, you son isn't alone…." Robin mentally swore. He could hear his mum in the background. Her tone filled with excitement and curiosity. "Your mother says to bring her along..."
Well, he certainly wasn't about to leave her behind. He rolled his eyes but then softened his gaze at the beautiful woman who had snuggled herself against him. "Are you up for breakfast with my parents this morning?"
She raised her head from his chest, gazing blearily at him. Her hair was tousled all around her and he thought she never looked more adorable. Her brows drew together. "They're here?"
He nodded and let out a sigh hearing his father's own impatient one on the other end of the line. "Meet us at the Screen Door. It's in the city, in Soho on Prince Street."
"Right, got it." His father hung up then.
Robin tossed his phone to the end of the bed. Looking down at Regina, he frowned. She looked tired and he suddenly felt guilty for keeping them up so late the night before. "I'm sorry, love. You don't have to go if you don't want."
"No, it's fine. You had to meet my parents..." Her fingers threaded through his hair, making a shiver run down his spine.
Robin shifted down further in bed, snuggling into her chest and pulling her close. "S'not fine. It's six in the morning and you're warm and soft. How's my girl doing?"
"She's awake and pushing against my bladder."
He chuckled and kissed her neck. "I'm sorry. Not much longer now."
She groaned and untangled from his arms. Robin frowned as she got up from bed. "True but not soon enough. I better get up and shower if I'm going to be presentable. If you are able to pull yourself from bed, you can always join me."
He opened his eyes, thinking about joining her and all that warm, wet, soapy skin... "Come to think of it, a shower sounds wonderful."
#
As much as she wanted to stay and indulge with Robin in the shower that morning, after quickly washing, she coaxed him from its warmth, or more particularly her warmth, so they could get ready. Her hair took the longest and then finding something to wear even longer. She figured they had close to an hour to get to the cafe if they were going to get there before his parents.
She was still tired. Very tired and very hungry. She figured she'd nap later. As her pregnancy went on, she found it was getting harder and harder to find a comfortable position at night. And it didn't help that she had to get up and pee two, three, four times a night.
As much as she loved feeling her baby girl inside her, she couldn't wait to feel more like herself.
Slipping on her black, flat sandals Regina took one last look in the mirror and frowned.
"You ready?" She turned at the sound of his voice as he stepped into their bedroom. He looked ridiculously handsome in dark jeans and a white tee under a button up flannel shirt. His neatly trimmed stubble and tousled hair made her belly flip. His face fell into a frown when his eyes met hers. "What's wrong?"
She turned away and looked at herself in the mirror once more. She was wearing a short-sleeved white and gray striped dress with an even longer thin gray cardigan to go over it. She bit her lip looking at the length of her dress which was only mid-thigh. "Nothing, I just… is this alright to meet your parents in?"
He looked at her confused as he stepped forward. "Yes, why wouldn't it be?"
"Well, I wanted to wear my other longer dress but it's too tight." She let out a breath and turned to him caressing her stomach. "I've gotten too fat."
"Stop it, you're not fat, you're pregnant." He closed the distance between them and took her hands. Holding them out, he said, "And you look gorgeous as you are. My parents will love you."
Heat flooded her cheeks. She didn't know why. He'd seen her naked plenty of times, had done things to her that would make her mother faint, but it was the way he looked at her when she was fully clothed and unsure of herself that made the biggest impact.
Instead of pushing the subject, she asked, "Have you told them?"
His face fell into something sheepish. "Er, not exactly. My mum called a while back, and I told her about you, that I started seeing someone, but that was the extent of it. I planned to ring them soon after I knew your answer to a particular question."
His thumb rubbed over the ring on her finger, making her smile. "This will be interesting."
"Don't worry." He leaned forward and gave her a light kiss. "They'll be surprised but happy for us. You'll see."
She took a deep breath and nodded.
The small breakfast cafe was busy when they arrived but thankfully his parents still hadn't gotten there, making the knot of anxiety in her chest unravel at the thought of them waiting alone. Robin gave their names to the hostess, who told them it'd be a twenty minute wait and then disappeared to help clear tables.
They stood close to the window where Robin kept a watchful eye. Regina could smell bacon and maple syrup and coffee. The strong, glorious coffee she wasn't allowing herself to have. Another thing she could wait to have and she told Robin as much.
He chuckled. "There's always decaf."
Her nose scrunched. "It's not the same."
He laughed even harder and pulled her close. She smiled when his hand rested on her belly, and she would have tilted her head up to kiss him, but the thought of his parents catching her making out with her son in a small, crowded restaurant was enough to keep her hormones in check.
Sure enough, the ding of the door as it opened not far from them had Robin pushing himself away from the wall. Taking her hand, he walked her over to them.
"Dad, Mum, why didn't you tell me you were coming?"
His mother, a tall, slender woman with short blonde hair smiled at him. "We wanted to surprise you, obviously."
Regina watched his mother pull Robin into her arms, giving him a tight, loving embrace. Her heart warmed watching them. Then her eyes slipped to the man also watching them. He was slightly taller than Robin with sandy blonde hair like his son's, only graying at the sides.
When his mother let him go, Robin stepped back and with a supportive hand on her back, said, "Regina, these are my parents, Eleanor and Jack. Mum, dad, this is my fiancé, Regina." Their mouths dropped open slightly in unison. Regina didn't think it was so much the fiancé part, but that she was eight months pregnant that had them fall silent. "As you can see we're also having a baby."
"A - a baby," his mother stammered. "Did you hear that, Jack? We're going to be grandparents."
"How could I miss it? I'm standing right here."
Regina's heart hammered in her chest. Her eyes were glued to his mom. Her expression looked shocked but slowly settling into something warm. "Oh goodness, well, you, Robin Nathaniel Locksley, I will have a chat with later," her serious tone fading with each and every word. She settled her gaze on Regina and smiled. "Oh, my dear girl, I'm so happy to meet you."
Regina was then wrapped in his mother's arms. She smelled like vanilla and baked things that reminded Regina of something like what she'd imagined was home. "You too."
"Robin?" The hostess was back, and Eleanor stepped away from Regina. "Your table's ready."
Just then, she felt an arm around hers. His mother was leading them after the hostess. "Now I want to hear all about you…"
Regina heard Jack behind her, and she looked to find him swinging an arm over Robin's shoulders. "You still living in that shoe box?"
Robin met her eyes and smiled. "Yeah, that's another thing I've been meaning to talk to you about."
"Oh?" Jack's voice was filled with what Regina's could only assume was subdued amusement. "More surprises. This should be interesting."
Robin shared a look with Regina at his father's words that mirrored her earlier ones. "It's good to see you, Pop."
#
When they got to the table Robin pulled out a chair for Regina before he took his own. The waitress came just as soon as they were in their seats and told them she'd be back with water.
His parents got comfortable, and a silence settled over the table. They were waiting for him. However, just as soon as he opened his mouth the waitress was back passing out cups and handing them all menus before telling them she'd be back to take their order.
This was it, he thought, and took Regina's hand.
"Now, Regina, what's good here?"
Robin looked from his mum to Regina. She was pensive over her own menu and it made him smile.
"I usually go with the fruit and Screen Door Oatmeal," Regina said thoughtfully, "but my pregnancy has me craving everything and anything sweet, so I'm going with the Bananas Foster French Toast."
"That's my favorite."
It was the waitress once again, smiling down at them with expectant green eyes.
Eleanor sat forward a bit, looking over at Regina's menu as if she'd see what page Regina was referring to when Jack pointed it out to her. "Oh, I see. Vanilla custard, cinnamon, and whipped cream, oh, yes. I'll have that as well."
His dad took the menu from his mother and put it with his own before handing them to the waitress. "Warm bread pudding and your strongest coffee."
Robin smiled as her eyes fell on him. "I'll have the Louisiana Red Hot Sausage link breakfast."
She took his menu and the rest of their drink order and scampered quickly away. People were still filtering in and out. There were conversations buzzing all around them. His hand returned to take Regina's just as his mother began speaking.
"So, tell me, Regina, what do you do for a living?"
Regina smiled. "I'm a photographer."
"Oh, that's wonderful. I imagine someone beautiful like you must do fashion."
Robin felt a warm rush of affection for his mum and also a deep appreciation for both of his parents at their reaction. He knew he would have a more serious conversation coming his way later, more to soothe hurt feelings by keeping this from them, but even with the surprise, they were welcoming Regina and it meant a great deal to him.
"I do work part-time for a magazine, but it's mostly freelance - weddings, maternity, graduations that keep me busy."
"That sounds lovely. I imagine it's nice being your own boss."
"It does have its merits," Robin supplied, and he shared a knowing look with Regina, remembering a day not so long ago when they were both "working from home" where he got to enjoy watching her work in nothing but underwear and his tee.
He felt her hand tighten in his and he tried hard not to grin like a fool.
"Alright, I've sat here just about as long as I can without asking the obvious questions, so tell us. How did you both meet?"
"In an elevator." Robin grinned. "She didn't want to hold it open for me."
His parents smiled at one another, making a blush rise up in Regina's cheeks, but she didn't deny it. They both knew she had been annoyed by his presence… at first anyway.
Their drinks were brought to them with assurances that their breakfast would be right out.
"When are you due?" His mum took a sip of her coffee and then frowned before reaching out for sugar and cream.
"October eighth."
"Oh, that's soon." His mum smiled at his father. "Do you know what you're having?"
"It's a girl."
Her fork fell to her plate with a clatter. "Jack..."
"Yes, I know, dearest." His father took a sip of his coffee.
Their waitress returned, and plates were passed all around. They all tucked into their breakfast. The food was delicious as always. He loved this place Regina had brought him the morning after one of their sleepovers.
"And have you picked a name for her?" Eleanor asked.
Regina, who had just taken a bite, covered her mouth and he smiled, answering for her, he said, "Olivia."
"Oh, I just love that." Her eyes got all glassy like they did right before she started to cry and sure enough, a tear slipped down her cheek. "I'm sorry, don't mind me… You know what we need to do after this, we need to go shopping."
"Mum-" Robin began.
"No, there will be no arguments against it," his mother interrupted. "We won't be here long and probably won't be back to see her until after she's born for a while, and it's my duty as a nan to spoil my first grandchild."
"How long will you be in town for?" Regina asked.
"We fly back on Tuesday." There was a resigned tone in his mum's voice.
Regina's face softened. "Where are you staying?"
His parents shared a look, and his mum replied, "We thought we'd get a place near Robin…"
He and Regina shared a look and he knew what she was thinking. "If you don't have reservations anywhere you can stay with us."
"We wouldn't want to impose," Eleanor protested.
"You wouldn't be. We have an extra room and that way you can spend time with Robin."
"As long as you both don't mind."
"We don't."
#
Immediately after breakfast, Robin's mother insisted on going shopping. Since the apartment was close, they stopped by there first, giving Eleanor and Jack a place to leave their bags. They took a moment to show them around the apartment. She was relieved they seemed genuinely happy for them. Jack was much more reserved than Eleanor, but he was still warm and friendly. A lot like her own father was.
They went to a few different places, small stores where Eleanor bought a few outfits, and more plush toys than Regina thought the baby needed. His mom was excited, though, so she smiled and let her buy what she liked.
Walking hand in hand, Regina pulled Robin away from his parents and over into a small section of toys where they wouldn't be overheard.
"I want to tell them the truth."
His head tilted. "What do you mean?"
"Lying about how long we've been together to my parents is one thing, but to yours, I don't feel comfortable with it."
His eyes held hers as he said, "Then we'll tell them."
He said it so simply and with so much confidence that she felt relieved. "Do you think they'll think it's too soon for us?"
"I don't," he said. "Not really. Not when they hear us out. My mum already loves you."
She smiled at him, though she wasn't as sure as he. "Maybe."
He kissed her then and when he drew away, he said, "There's no maybe about it."
It turned out when they sat his parents down after dinner later that evening, she realized she didn't need to worry. Robin's parents listened to their story with the same awe Kathryn had and when Robin finished with his proposal, where and their lack of clothes being left out, they expressed nothing but happiness for them.
His mother went on for some time about how they were, like Robin believed, destined to meet, while his father was much like her believing in free will and coincidence, even though she secretly loved the idea of being tied to Robin in such a way.
#
The day was a great success, as was their evening together. Robin found Regina much more relaxed once everything had been put out in the open. He, himself, was glad to tell them. Truthfully, he loved their story. He'd tell everyone he could if she'd let him, but he also understood how she wanted Olivia to hear it from them when she could understand. Telling those who would respect that would be reserved for a special select few.
His dad had flipped the channel to sports not long after his mum went to bed. Robin sat and watched with Regina, dosing against him for about an hour or so before she sat up.
"I'm going to go get ready for bed," she told him.
He stood and helped her to her feet. "I'll be in in a minute."
Robin was hoping he would get a chance to speak to his dad alone most of the day and now was as good of time as any.
Lingering in the living room, Robin sat back down. "Hey Dad, I wanted to speak with you about something. I was going to call but since you're here..." he trailed off, then taking a deep breath continued, "I found a place, a brownstone in Brooklyn I wanted to buy for Regina and I. It's in a great neighborhood, near good schools. It needs a bit of fixing up, but I can work on that..."
"How much do you need?"
Robin paused. He appreciated his father knew where it was going, but he'd planned a bit of a monologue and was a bit put out that he wasn't hearing him out. "They want fifteen down. I know the trust Gran set up for us was meant for after we turned thirty, but I thought since..."
"When do you need it by?" His father's face was impassive, completely neutral as he waited for an answer.
Robin sighed. "Not for a few weeks. I'm still negotiating the price."
"I think I may be able to manage that. I can give Tony a ring when we get home." His father looked tired. "You can take your mother and me to see it tomorrow."
He nodded. "Thanks, Pop."
The warm smile and clap on the shoulder as his father passed by him was all he needed to know his father understood.
#
After getting dressed and brushing his teeth, Robin got into bed next to Regina who was sitting against the headboard with her laptop on her legs looking intently at the screen.
He kissed her temple and asked, "What are you doing?"
"Looking up Lamaze classes."
"Suppose it's getting that time, isn't it? Does that mean you're thinking of natural childbirth?"
"I think I am." She sounded tired. "Do you have any views on it?"
Internally, he cringed at the question. "Honestly, I don't know as much as I probably should, only from what I've read in your book. From what it sounds like, there are good arguments for and against epidurals and such, but whatever you decide, I'll support."
"I think I want to give these classes a try."
"Alright. When do we start?"
"Classes start next week." She closed the laptop and sighed, closing her eyes.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm okay, but I think I have a headache coming on."
Robin grimaced. He really hoped not since the last one put her out for a couple days. He hated seeing her in so much pain. "Another bad one?"
Handing him the laptop, she told him, "I hope not, your daughter isn't exactly settling down tonight."
"She's just anxious to be in your arms," he assured before setting the device on the table beside the bed, then giving her a soft kiss. "Come on, let's lie down and see if she settles. Do you want me to rub your neck?"
"Maybe just softly," she said. He could hear the weariness in her voice as she scooted back into his arms. "Something for me to focus on."
"Gladly."
His hand swept her hair aside, and then he caressed along her shoulder and up her neck until he heard her breathing slow and steady. He kissed her on the head softly before his head fell to his pillow where he fell into a deep sleep.